The Daily B.I.T.U.B. Notes, thoughts and inspiration inspired by my journey to a place where Believe In The Unbelievable became a way of life. Blessed to share with anyone who wants to follow along. Please reach out, share the site and as always Believe in the Unbelievable that is YOU!

Friday, October 31, 2014

You can think the bad into any situation. I witness it everyday. People taking something and finding all the bad, the flaws and the negative. They overlook the good that is there, the opportunity to find solutions to problems and their ability to shed light on a dark moment. Negativity resides in life... It's going to be there, but the strength of positive thoughts is amazing! It can change a negative environment in an instant and can give the negative person something to reflect upon. I've said it many times... Negative people create negative energy around them, positive people create positive energy that resonates beyond them! It's contagious! It's not always going to be easy to be that positive influence, but think about your place, your role, your thoughts and just how blessed you are to be able to bring some good to a moment... To bring good to someone's day, to their life... To be a reminder that we are blessed, that God is great and that today we can choose to think the good into everything!

Believe in the Unbelievable that is YOU, have a blessed weekend and a safe and Happy Halloween!

DC

"Believe in yourself... All things are possible if you believe." Mark 9:23

Thursday, October 30, 2014

Growing up you have those special memories. The ones that no matter how old you get, what you do or where you go just resonate. They come across your mind often and are reminders of why you do things, why you feel the way you feel and why you are who you are.

Adelina DeLaRosa... We knew her as Grandma Helen. We would spend many summers at her and grandpa's house and often after school would end up there hanging out with the cousins and my brother playing until we couldn't see anymore. I would always slip inside and talk to her. She would sit across the table and talk to me like I was the only one in the room. I remember listening and hanging on her every word because she did the same for me... No matter how silly I must have sounded. Any thought I had, suggestion, game I wanted to play... No matter what she was doing she would stop, sit and listen. You were always guaranteed three things there... A fresh pot of coffee, a hot home cooked meal and unconditional love... That grandma love that made you feel like you were the favorite. Which I guarantee if you ask any of us we all were.

I think of her often, but yesterday listening to someone talk about going to see their grandma made me stop and tell them to savor it. Listen to her stories, ask her about her life, write it down and share her legacy. You never know when you won't get to do that anymore, and it's those memories that remind us how blessed we are. Memories of my grandma remind me of my childhood and what true family is and always will be. We were and are blessed.

Miss you Grandma... Love you and thank you for giving us so much of you to carry with us and in us everyday of our lives.

(My grandma, on the left, and her sister Diamantina)

Believe in the Unbelievable that is YOU and have a blessed day!

DC

"Believe in yourself... All things are possible if you believe." Mark 9:23

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

I overheard someone say they knew how a situation was going to end. I asked them if they knew and it wasn't good then why not change it. Why not pray, talk, help and influence the outcome? Especially since they knew the person and more importantly because they had the ability to help. They said, "well we know the outcome and it always happens the same way."

Often I think we allow things to "happen" because we think that's the way it should be, we are afraid to intervene or we simply believe the outcome, and this is the worst, "is what it is".

You can't assume you know the outcome... There are too many things that can happen that change the course of the moment. Too many things that can happen that bring on the unexpected and takes us into uncharted territory. Those are the places we can lose our way, feel lost and forget why and what brought us to this juncture in our lives. Those are the experiences where even the strongest in faith can find themselves questioning it. Thing is we don't always know what or when something is coming. We don't know how it will impact the course of the journey. We don't know if we are in that moment because someone needs that blessing. Maybe it's us who needs it! People say the only constant is change. I believe the only constant is God, our relationship with Him and our ability to do His will each and everyday throughout our lives.

We can't assume, foresee or change the outcome of all things, but we certainly have the influence towards our attitude, our fortitude and our faith in knowing whatever comes we are in His hands. Sometimes it's understanding that means we our influential and we are blessed to help others and they are blessed to help us whenever and however we can. We cross paths for a reason. It's our experiences that give light to others in dark moments and it is the light we can all make together that can illuminate any situation and influence any outcome.

Believe in the Unbelievable that is YOU and have a blessed day!

DC

"Believe in yourself... All things are possible if you believe." Mark 9:23

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

How long has it been since you talked to God? No, asking Him for this or that isn't talking to Him. I mean really having a conversation about your life. Talking to Him about the journey. Giving Him thanks for the gifts along the way. You know, the friends that give you comfort... The family that won't ever let you let them down. The support, the opportunities, the challenges. Yes... The challenges. Those experiences that helped you grow. The ones that helped you create your character and strengthen your faith. The closed doors that helped you to realize the opened ones you had been overlooking. The dark times that helped you finally see the smallest lights in life. The answered prayers where He gave you what you needed instead of what you wanted.

Yes, God is constantly at work in our lives in as much as we allow Him to be. So if you are lost, weary or simply in a place you need to talk, or everything is exactly as you need it to be... Either way give thanks, praise, lift up your hearts... Because God is always listening.

Believe in the Unbelievable that is YOU and have a blessed day!

DC

"Believe in yourself... All things are possible if you believe." Mark 9:23

Monday, October 27, 2014

Last week I received an email about setbacks, trials and doubters. It went on to say that it was so difficult to make a mark on life and finished with big bold letters "I WANT TO MAKE A MARK!"

You want to make your mark?

Then you make it! Take life's opportunities, good and bad, and create the moments you need to excel! There is only one real person who can stop you and that is YOU! You know your limits so you know exactly what it's going to take to overcome them. You know the dedication and commitment it's going to take! You know what you want and more importantly what you need! You have experienced the setbacks so you already know what to expect. You know that you have way more supporters than naysayers so stop listening to the doubt and start listening to the encouragement. The foundation is already there... A foundation built by God's love and His blessings. Blessings of family, friends and all the beauty that comes with them!

Yes! You already have everything it's going to take and today is the perfect day to begin!

You want to make your mark? Then let's go make it!

Believe in the Unbelievable that is YOU and have a blessed week!

DC

"Believe in yourself... All things are possible if you believe." Mark 9:23

Thursday, October 23, 2014

We are blessed that we all at some point will be that someone... That we do have purpose. That we get to choose what our story will be. That we have goals that drive us. That we have passion for the journey. That we will stand in front of that road that will lead us to a place where we we get to live our dreams. That we are standing in the middle of some of those dreams right now.

We are blessed to be in a journey filled with obstacles that teach us lessons. Where adversity gives us strength. Where the challenges provide building blocks for us to build upon our foundation. Where we realize our blessings and give thanks to God for the abundance of them.

We are blessed!

Every road leads somewhere...

Where are you headed today?

What will your story be?

Believe in the Unbelievable that is YOU and have a blessed day!

DC

"Believe in yourself... All things are possible if you believe." Mark 9:23

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

Sometimes that requires me to push myself beyond my limitations! Sometimes it means facing my fears and doing my best to overcome them! Sometimes it's letting my faith guide me through the uncharted territory that I must encounter to progress and keep moving forward. Sometimes it's understanding just because I get knocked down doesn't mean I can't get back up! Sometimes it's knowing that I need help and asking for is not a weakness! Sometimes it's realizing that my dreams are worth fighting for and that fight won't be easy! Sometimes it's doing something I thought I never could to achieve something I always knew I would! Sometimes it is believing when it is beyond reason to believe!

Yes... I am committed to being a better me.

That is always trusting in God, His way and His path! That is my foundation... And knowing that this is the day The Lord has made helps me to realize the many opportunities in it to be that better me.

Believe in the Unbelievable that is YOU and have a blessed day!

DC

"Believe in yourself... All things are possible if you believe." Mark 9:23

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Sometimes we forget just how powerful that statement is in everything we do. Sometimes we blame others for the choices we have made. Sometimes we even tell ourselves we don't have choices. Sometimes we have made a choice we don't quite understand why we did or what we do now. Sometimes we even forget to choose God first.

Often the hardest part is having the courage to make a decision. We all know even the smallest choice can impact our lives. Thing is once the choice is made then it's made. You can't go around regretting it... Even if it's not what you expected it to be. You made it so dwelling on it won't change the fact you did.

Remember though... The choice is yours!

Choose God!

Choose your blessings!

Then why not choose to focus on what you can do now! Focus your attention here in this moment, this time and this place! Understanding the choices you made put you here... Taking accountability for those choices... That is empowering yourself to move forward with each opportunity you have to make the next decision! We have so much influence on the outcome of our lives. From the places we go, the people we meet, the kind of energy we allow in our lives to the simple perspective of how we approach our day.

The choice is yours!

So, what will you choose to do today?

Believe in the Unbelievable that is YOU and have a blessed day!

DC

"Believe in yourself... All things are possible if you believe." Mark 9:23

Monday, October 20, 2014

Ever find yourself asking these questions? Maybe that's exactly what you are asking yourself right now! It's easy to question, but we often forget just how resilient we have been and can be. We are amazingly built to withstand a lot and we are much stronger than we give ourselves credit. The thing is despite what we feel we simply aren't called upon to exert that strength often... But when we have no other choice but to be strong that's the moment we realize the extent of our strength! A strength made up of many things! Think about the countless days where everything goes right. Think about the friends, family, experiences, faith, prayers... Think about the blessings that you encounter and God's beautiful gifts that surround you. Those things are still there when the day doesn't go as you planned. They are there when you question why today isn't what you had hoped. They are always there... Waiting, praying, helping... There reminding us that we are strong and we have this life because God knows we are strong enough to live it!

Believe in the Unbelievable that is YOU and have a blessed week!

DC

"Believe in yourself... All things are possible if you believe." Mark 9:23

Friday, October 17, 2014

How hard is it to live up to someone's expectations? After all isn't it important that we care what others think of us? Isn't it how we should determine our worth? No! Though, "No" is easier said than done. Try as we might it is difficult to not think that way sometimes. We get so focused on the opinions of others we lose sight of who we are and more importantly who we want to be. It isn't easy to stop those thoughts, but always listening to others define you? Well you might just find yourself confused with exactly who "you" truly are.

Think about it... Why are you trying to be something you are not? Why wouldn't the highest expectations set for you be by you? Are you living up to your standards? Chances are you are doing just fine in life and you should take notice of the progression you have already made. Life is a non stop, ever evolving journey... Don't focus your energy on those that you find yourself having to live with... No focus it on the beauty, the blessings and the privilege of those you want to live for!

Living life by those expectations you may just find yourself raising the bar, and before you know it what others think won't be even close to the expectations you have already set for yourself.

Believe in the Unbelievable that is YOU and have a blessed weekend!

DC

"Believe in yourself... All things are possible if you believe." Mark 9:23

Thursday, October 16, 2014

Answering emails yesterday I ran across one that said, "I know I can make a difference, but I find it hard to engage myself."

That happens quite often, and it happens to everyone. We stand back when we know we should intervene. It just seems easier to stay out of a situation then to engage in it. Maybe it's the aftermath we fear... The uncertainty of what may come from stepping in. Maybe it's that we feel like we are busy and don't need another thing to worry about. Thing is throughout our lives we will be faced with many scenarios that will call upon us to make that choice. You will find yourself asking how you can impact this moment if you did intervene. So what if you did share your thoughts? What if you offered up personal experiences that could change the outcome of a situation? If you have things to offer up you should! You could be the catalyst to expediting a conclusion and being a part of helping to bring about change. Ask yourself how many times have you be grateful that someone stepped in to help you? How many times has that helping hand held you up? How many times has someone's advice given you clarity? Chances are the answer is many.

There are so many blessings that God places in our path, but don't overlook that there are points in life where the blessing for someone else comes at that moment they cross ours.

Believe in the Unbelievable that is YOU and have a blessed day!

DC

"Believe in yourself... All things are possible if you believe." Mark 9:23

Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Sometimes we forget to appreciate the things that others do for us. Unfortunately it's really easy to do because some people simply do it asking nothing in return. They go about the day offering a smile, a helping hand, a word of encouragement, a shoulder, even just an ear to vent to. They remind you to say your prayers, to appreciate the small things and to give thanks for all the beauty in your life. They often stand back avoiding the recognition and they never talk about why, what or when they do something for someone else. Think about your day. Think about the people you encounter. Think about those positive influences. Think about the people who you can't wait to see, to talk to... The ones you hope come into the room because they will instantly bring light to it. You know that person. You know exactly who that is in your life. While they may not want a "thank you" today take a moment and thank God for them. Thank God for those people that remind us to be grateful, to enjoy life and to remember just how blessed we truly are each and everyday.

Believe in the Unbelievable that is YOU and have a blessed day!

DC

"Believe in yourself... All things are possible if you believe." Mark 9:23

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

We've all been at that crossroad. That place where we know that we can't put off the decision of what comes next. There is so much thought that goes into those moments that can change the outcome of your life... As it should be. The longer you wait, chances are the harder it gets. Sometimes you simply have to decide... And understand the decisions aren't always going to be as clear as you would have hoped.

So what do you do?

You do exactly what you must... You get your bearings, dig into your foundation and you focus on what you know! You balance yourself by leaning on faith! That faith that you have called upon time and again when it's all you've had. You pray for guidance and be thankful that you have choices to make. You talk to people you know will give you their thoughts, but not give you the answers. You remember the choices you have made before and you use those experiences to provide insight to the ones you must make today. Most of all you take comfort in knowing that God provides answers to prayers in many different ways. He will always provide, but it is up to us to be willing to make the choices necessary to walk the path that those answered prayers can and will create if we simply make the decisions necessary to allow them to.

Believe in the Unbelievable that is YOU and have a blessed day!

DC

"Believe in yourself... All things are possible if you believe." Mark 9:23

Monday, October 13, 2014

There are many different ways to identify progress. It isn't always going to be as simple as moving from here to there. It may be in the way you approach a situation... It may be that you even can approach some you couldn't before. It may be in your outlook of what is going on in your life. It may be in your attitude and how you are able to control your emotions when faced with adversity. It may be in the ability to overcome your fears to go beyond limitations that once prevented you from reaching your goals. It may be in how you challenge the day and your determination to be better than you were yesterday. It may be the way you appreciate a sunrise and slow down long enough to thank God for the sunset. It may be in how you have begun to see God's blessings that are abundant in your life.

Whatever it is... Rest assured you have progressed. As often as we dwell on what is behind us we tend to focus on the negative, and thus we overlook all the good that helped us come this far. There are lessons, experiences and beautiful gifts from God... If we must look back those are reminders of where we have been and more importantly how blessed we are to be able to continue the journey to wherever we are willing to go.

Believe in the Unbelievable that is YOU and have a blessed week!

DC

"Believe in yourself... All things are possible if you believe." Mark 9:23

Friday, October 10, 2014

Is it something you want ? Do you need this? Then what are you going to do about it? You willing to take the risks? You willing to move out of your comfort zone? You can't just sit there and expect results. If you want something then be willing to put in the effort to get it! Then be honest with yourself on your abilities. It's not about accepting limitations when you ask for help, it's about realizing the resources available for you to go above and beyond! The foundation you create today will be the one you build on tomorrow. Give yourself the stability you need to go the distance by committing to the daily effort needed to sustain momentum. Everything you have accomplished began somewhere... That somewhere was within you! You had the passion to achieve, to succeed, to push yourself because you knew it mattered! You didn't stop when it got hard, instead you found that extra level and you leapt in faith, you reached beyond your reach into the unknown and you took God's hand because you knew it would be there!

Yes!

You want it? You need it? Then Believe in the Unbelievable that is YOU and let's go get it!

DC

"Believe in yourself... All things are possible if you believe." Mark 9:23